iDEA Community: Drexel University Libraries

Innovative Applications of Social Software in Reaching Out to Engineering Students

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:14:43 GMT

Title: Innovative Applications of Social Software in Reaching Out to Engineering Students

Authors: Gurke, Sasha; Bhatt, Jay; Roberts, Josh

Abstract: The past few years have seen several new engineering initiatives develop at Drexel University. Some of these initiatives are in emerging fields such as Nanoscale Science and Technology, Microfluidics, and Bionanotechnology. The rapid growth in research in these and several other subject areas motivated Drexel's engineering librarians to experiment with new ways of reaching out to faculty and students. Drexel's emphasis on team based engineering design projects requires students to develop critical understanding of engineering subject areas. Developing awareness of core electronic resources such as Knovel and Engineering Village is crucial for them to use such resources efficiently. This poster outlines innovative experiments aimed at increasing information awareness using social software such as Facebook, Del.icio.us, and blogs. Having an engineering librarian's presence on Facebook is useful since many engineering students at Drexel are heavy Facebook users. Organizations such as Drexel's IEEE student chapter and ASME are on Facebook as well. Drexel Engineering Information Awareness Campaign Group is a librarian-created group aimed at increasing awareness of new and existing resources. The poster also includes an example of using Facebook's Notes application to receive automated feeds of new information resources from an engineering blog (Englibrary) and an illustration of automatically importing new engineering information related bookmarks from Del.icio.us into Facebook. Judging by the number of engineering students on the engineering librarian's Facebook, it appears that this innovative experiment is succeeding, a required first step before our users can embark on learning how to use engineering information resources more efficiently.

Description: This poster was presented at the 2008 Special Libraries Association (SLA) Annual Conference in Seattle.

A Novel High Resolution, Wide-Field microscopy System for Histology Slide and Fresh Tissue Imaging using Polarized Light

Wed, 14 May 2008 21:29:22 GMT

Title: A Novel High Resolution, Wide-Field microscopy System for Histology Slide and Fresh Tissue Imaging using Polarized Light

Authors: Jhaveri, Sankhesh

Abstract: Knowledge of the complex fiber structures of soft tissues can lead to greater understanding of basic structure-function relationships, and potentially, to improvements in tissue engineered constructs and micro-repair techniques. Unfortunately, imaging these structures in fresh, whole-tissue samples is difficult, mainly because current microscopes are designed for small-scale, narrow field imaging of thin, slide-mounted specimens. These systems depend on high-precision motorized (using expensive servo motors) stage positioning to make a montage of image tiles. However, they are time consuming requiring a large number of image tiles. The goal of this project was to develop a high speed imaging system at low cost-capable of imaging thicker, fresh tissue samples as well as prepared slides using both, normal and polarized light. For imaging thicker specimens, an ‘open stage system’ with variable control on the Z axis, in addition to X and Y axis control, is incorporated to maintain focus. The system uses a low-precision, two stepper motor positioning system, maintaining sub-pixel accuracy via a novel image correlation and registration algorithm. A third stepper motor controlling the fine focus knob enables the Z axis control. The software consists of two basic components: (1) a graphical user interface (GUI) programmed in Visual Basic .NET for camera and stage motor control, and (2) a “tiling/stitching” algorithm programmed in Matlab. The tiling program also incorporates distortion and luminosity correction algorithms. Autofocus is achieved using a novel edge-based focusing algorithm. Current work is ongoing to optimize the throughput, speed and accuracy of large scale 2D and 3D imaging.

SimplyMap: Introducing a New Mapping Tool & Data Source at Drexel Libraries

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 19:30:12 GMT

Title: SimplyMap: Introducing a New Mapping Tool & Data Source at Drexel Libraries

Authors: Bhatt, Jay; Martin, Tara; Millikin, Larry; Roberts, Joshua C.; Siftar, Tim; Ten-Have, Beth

Abstract: As university libraries move from hosting print collections toward more electronic content, they have also begun to offer a range of data and analysis tools. This responds to increased demands from faculty that students substantiate their research with original analysis of data, instead of just citing the work of other authors. In 2007 Drexel University Libraries began offering the “SimplyMap” web-based mapping application to meet this need. Using a simplified interface it affords similar features to sophisticated geographic information systems (GIS). SimplyMap comes bundled with a number of datasets: the 2000 U.S. Census with 2006 & 2007 estimates and 2011 projection;, Consumer Expenditures and Quality of Life data (such as weather and crime). The maps – as well as the underlying data – can be exported for use in Word, PowerPoint or Excel. In reality it is two tools in one: an application for visualizing data as maps and, a map-interface for retrieving datasets. Empowered with both the tools and data to rapidly test hypotheses and interpret results visually, students have the opportunity to participate more deeply in the research process and experience a more active and engaged form of learning. Drexel librarians have developed a number of examples to show how maps and datasets from SimplyMap might be used effectively to support typical student research assignments.

Description: Poster presented at Drexel Research Day, 2008.

Library 2.0: Collaborative, Interactive, Patron-Focused

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 19:29:10 GMT

Title: Library 2.0: Collaborative, Interactive, Patron-Focused

Authors: Bhatt, Jay; Chiodo, Anita; Dominy, Margaret; Roberts, Joshua C.

Abstract: Here at Drexel University the human interface between the Libraries and our patrons is rapidly evolving, in both our physical and virtual spaces. Students and faculty find demands pulling them in different directions, needing assistance around the clock and usually urgently. Facilitating communications and services have put additional demands on librarians leading us into new creative arenas, many drawing on Web 2.0 techniques and technologies. Some of these efforts will work and some will not, but we can no longer be passive. In this poster, the authors will highlight the multifaceted ways in which the physical space of the various Drexel Libraries has changed; the new ways our librarians have approached patron interactions, including reaching out to students via instant messaging, Facebook, and other social software; and also collaborative efforts with faculty, specifically our annual Scholarly Communications Symposium and the Libraries’ role in supporting scholarship.

Description: Poster presented at SLA annual conference and Drexel Research Day, 2008.

The challenging and critical role of information professionals in combating AIDS in India

Sun, 02 Apr 2006 22:58:59 GMT

Title: The challenging and critical role of information professionals in combating AIDS in India

Authors: Ghosh, Maitrayee; Bhatt, Jay

Abstract: The nature of work for librarians/information professionals is undergoing a profound transformation, due to the arrival of deadly diseases like AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) and the change in information needs of the local community. This change necessitates much more professional expertise, updated knowledge, critical thinking and involvement in developing effective AIDS literacy programs. Information professionals serving in different libraries or potential information dissemination centers can provide dedicated services to society by helping to access AIDS information not only in urban settings but also in rural environments. This paper outlines strategies for effective collaboration in the context of AIDS literacy promotion efforts. It identifies a number of obstacles in the process of empowering the community and suitable measures essential for success.

Science and technology libraries partnering with Knovel

Mon, 26 Feb 2007 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Science and technology libraries partnering with Knovel

Authors: Bhatt, Jay; Paulsen, W. Charles; Dunn, Lisa G.; Van Epps, Amy S.

Abstract: The engineering library plays a critical role in initiating and maintaining the conduit between vendors of engineering information and the users of that information—faculty, students, and researchers. Likewise, vendors play a key role in supporting library and faculty efforts to promote science and engineering information resources, beyond just supplying content and interface. Science and engineering libraries and vendors can effectively work together to get the most from electronic resources for both large and small institutions. The case studies here show how Knovel Corporation, a sci-tech e-book vendor, has worked with librarians at large and small institutions and with faculty members to promote awareness and usage of Knovel’s interactive library of electronic books for science and engineering education. Librarians and Knovel partner at a large institution like Drexel University to give on-site workshops for faculty and students. At these workshops important features of Knovel’s content and software are discussed and demonstrated in a live format. Questions are encouraged to ensure participants understand the technology, and short assignments reinforce learning. Knovel works with librarians to promote these sessions and continues the dialogue with attendees afterward. On-site demonstrations are one of the most effective ways to educate users about new technologies and new content. Librarians at smaller institutions often do not have the time and resources to devote to a full-scale on-site workshop. They need an "out-of-the-box" solution that is quick to deploy with an interface that is self-evident to users. Complete integration of e-book titles into the institution’s information toolbox is the key here. Knovel provides resources to promote ready access to meet the needs of smaller institutions, including MARC records for the library's catalog. Finally, librarians and Knovel work directly with faculty to integrate Knovel's content into their courses. An example is Purdue University’s "treasure hunt" assignment given in the Mechanical Engineering Technology program which includes questions which leverage Knovel titles to answer. By supporting outreach and access strategies appropriate for institution size and need, librarians and Knovel illustrate how to create an effective partnership with engineering libraries to increase awareness, usage and, ultimately, cost-effectiveness of electronic resources.

What the user wants: Drexel engineering perspectives

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 22:58:59 GMT

Title: What the user wants: Drexel engineering perspectives

Authors: Papazoglou, Elisabeth S.; Gadkari, Siddharth B.; Sunkari, Chetana; Bhatt, Jay

Innovative approaches to information literacy instruction for engineering undergraduates at Drexel University

Tue, 29 May 2007 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Innovative approaches to information literacy instruction for engineering undergraduates at Drexel University

Authors: Roberts, Joshua C.; Bhatt, Jay

Abstract: As information professionals, engineering librarians have the primary responsibilities of providing access to engineering information resources and giving instruction in how to use these resources. In the case of undergraduate engineering students, this extends to building their information literacy skills, an important component in helping them become lifelong learners; to be curious and independent, and to take greater responsibility for their own learning. The challenge in building information literacy in engineering students is to acquaint the students with the array of library resources available to them and to help them intelligently navigate the systems that contain the information. Too often, information literacy instruction is presented as a set of procedures for locating a hypothetical resource in the library. However, students are not interested in finding some resource randomly chosen as an example; they want to find resources that they perceive as being important and useful. During the 2005-2006 academic year, the engineering librarians at Drexel University took this into consideration and employed a new methodology for information literacy instruction: combining an online tutorial covering basic library skills with face-to-face consultations between student design teams and the engineering librarians. By utilizing varied instruction techniques aimed at different learning styles, with a strong active learning component delivered at the student's point of need - when they have a concrete, perceived information need - information literacy instruction can be improved so that engineering students retain more and develop lifelong learning skills.

Description: Preprint version

Impact of interdisciplinary scientific research on science and engineering librarianship in academic institutions

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 18:47:10 GMT

Title: Impact of interdisciplinary scientific research on science and engineering librarianship in academic institutions

Authors: Dominy, Margaret; Bhatt, Jay

Abstract: Looking at the ongoing trend in academic institutions with science and engineering focus, it appears that information needs of researchers in those areas are becoming increasingly interdisciplinary in nature. For example, Nanotechnology research requires collaboration among researchers from various expertise areas such as Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Physics, Biotechnology, Nanomedicine, etc. Analysis of book requests, journal requests along with consultations with faculty and students are indicative of how interdisciplinary their needs have become. The nature of interdisciplinary information is expected to have an impact on science and engineering librarianship from several perspectives such as collection development in both print and electronic media, outreach, collection management, library instruction and how both science and engineering librarians interact with each other. This poster focuses on analyzing research trends at Drexel University and proposes that close collaboration of the science and engineering librarians is crucial for the successful delivery of information services to emerging technology areas.

Connecting with the Millennials: library services then and now

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 18:45:57 GMT

Title: Connecting with the Millennials: library services then and now

Authors: Bhatt, Jay; Dominy, Margaret; Roberts, Joshua C.; Siftar, Timothy

Abstract: Drexel University Libraries actively incorporate a variety of technologies into its instruction programs. We will describe some of these technologies such as RSS feeds, blogs, interactive tutorials, podcasts, WebCT, and others. We will discuss examples of how we have used these technologies. We have aggressively sought collaboration with faculty and our counterparts at Information Resources & Technology, Drexel’s computing services department. Active, interactive and engaged learning approaches in combination with above technologies motivate students to become independent learners and in the process they develop lifelong information seeking skills. A selection of these partnerships will be described.